Shock as Carney quits at the top

Great Britain's charismatic rugby league vice-captain Brian Carney, voted the finest winger in the world's toughest competition last season, has shocked the game by retiring.

Irishman Carney, 30, a Gaelic Football convert, played for Gateshead, Hull and Wigan before going to Newcastle in the NRL last season. He had signed a two-year deal with expansion team Gold Coast Titans in Queensland and started training two days ago.

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But family pressures and the desire to go on with his law studies convinced him to quit.

He said: "I knew I couldn't see the year out. Continuing would have been for all the wrong reasons."

Confirming his total retirement, he added: "I've told the Titans to hold my registration to ensure there's no speculation about me going back to play league or union."

Titans managing director Michael Searle said: "We totally support Brian in his decision to retire. I would like to personally thank Brian for his integrity and the manner in which he handled this.

"He had the fortitude to do this face to face and that strength of character is rare today.

"Only a footballer knows when it is time to retire and Brian has been struggling with this decision for some time and we wish Brian all the best in the future."